Coconut Point Press July Aug 2009

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The housing market has beenshowing signs of recovery for some time, but primarily in homescosting $250,000 or less. Thehomes priced in the lower 20 per-cent of the market spent the least time on the market, and recovery seemed to be centered aroundthat demographic.

More recently, however, the mil-lion dollar-plus housing market has started showing signs of mak-ing a comeback. In the Naples,Bonita, and Estero areas, only 24homes priced at $1 million or morehad closed at the end of January. At the end of March, the year-to-date closed sales for homes over $1 million totaled 100, and by theend of May the number had again jumped dramatically, to 207.

Perhaps the most visible increasein this area was in homes over $5million. During the rst couple of months of the year, these homes were selling at the rate of only oneper month. By the end of May,however, the closing rate on vemillion-plus homes had tripled,for an average of three closingsevery month. That’s a huge dif-ference when you’re talking about that amount of real estate.

These increases are in keeping with the trends seen in the rest of the real estate market. For in-stance, in January sales of milliondollar-plus homes accounted for 6.33 percent of closed sales mar-ket-wide. In comparison, 6.24percent of the year-to-date sales at the end of May were million-plus

dollar homes – a dierence of lessthan a tenth of a percent.

The statistics clearly demonstratea strong snowball eect: Sales of homes costing $1 million and upare steadily gaining in momen-tum. They are even keeping up with lower-priced home sales, which were initially thought to be

leading the recovery of the hous-ing market. Does this mean that the real estate market is trending away from being a bargain-hunt-er’s market?

I believe what we are seeing here is the natural next step inthe recovery of the Florida realestate market. Prices dropped,attracting buyers who were in-terested in getting a good homefor an exceptional value. As thenumber of closed sales increasedand the homes left on the market decreased, more and more buy-ers started taking notice. It’s a self-fullling prophecy: The morehomes sell, the more condent potential buyers are, which inturn leads to even more sales.

Therefore it is only natural that this trend should also aect thehousing market Lee and Collier Counties are most well knownfor: high-end luxury homes. Asbuyers in this market take note of the upward trend in home salesin general, their condence is re-newed as well, leading to a similar increase in the million dollar-plusmarket.

Are the days of getting a bargainon luxury real estate drawing toa close? I don’t think so – not yet, that is. But both sellers andbuyers should know that thehigher-end homes are making their comeback as well, signaling that now more than ever, if yousnooze, you lose!

D. Michael Burke, p.a.Estero /Bont Sprngs/Nples

Lxry Rel Estte Expert

H.4114 Beautiul 4 bed+den, 4.5 bath, 3474 under air, 4195 totals, w/stunning European air throughout in this 2 story home w/lo, dramatic rod iron/wood curve staircase & master suite on therst oor. Hardwood ooring , crown molding , built-ins, granitein all baths, kitchen & master suite on the rst oor. Gourmetkitchen, stainless steel & paneled built-in appliances, gas cooktop, French style cabinet’s w/crown. Gorgeous views to the am-ily room w/wall to wall double French doors leading to the paver patio w/oor to ceiling curtains surrounding, built-in custom gasheated pool/spa all surrounded w/rod iron ence, beautiul tran-quil views o the 18th tee & lush landscaping beyond. Ofered at$1,250,000. Cll Mcel 239-777-0473

C.5707 - Gorgeous views o the Gul and Bay in this 3rd oor endunit w/3 bed, 3.5 bath, 3295 under air, 4215 total s. Stunning unit in neutral tones, travertine tile, custom built-ins & speakersystem thru-out, hardwood oor, plantation shutters, windowtreatments, speaker system, plus so much more! State-o-the-artkitchen, 42” cherry cabinets, granite countertops, built-in/pan-eled appliances. Grand living room/dining room w/two wall-wallglass sliders leading to the incredible travertine tiled main terrace.Family room, guest suites, private baths & built-ins all w/entranc-es to rear balcony. Impressive master suite, w/striking vast entry,two closets, expansive windows & private entry to terrace, ofering yet urther tranquil views o the Gul and Bay. Ofered at 990,000.Cll Mcel 239-777-0473

offered by: D. MiChaEL BuRkE, P.a., REaLTOR®

EstEro | Bonita springs | naplEs

.com

JULY | AUGUST 2009

To have Your Home Featured In the Next Issue Call D. Michael Burke, P.A. 239.777.0473

Website owned and maintained by Michael Burke o John R. Wood REALTORS, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

P R S R T S T D .

U . S . P O S T A G E

P A I D F T M Y E R S , F L

P E R M I T N O 8 1 5

www.CoconutPointRealEstate.com

J o h n R . W o o d s R e a l t o r s

2 6 2 6 9 S o u t h T a m i a m i T r a i l

B o n i t a S p r i n g s , F L 3 4 1 3 4

Sweet Bay in Shadow Wood atTe Brooks, Bonita SpringsSweet Bay in Shadow Wood atTe Brooks, Bonita Springs

Te Colony – Palermo,Bonita SpringsTe Colony – Palermo,Bonita Springs

$1 Million-Plus Market Continues Momentum

FEATURED PROPERTIES

T o :



2 | July | August 2009

Te Publisher, Maximum Impact Publishing is inde-

pendently owned and operated and is not aliated

with any real estate association, board or company.Opinions expressed are those o the writers and not

necessarily those o the Publisher or advertisers.

Te Publisher regrets any inaccuracies contained

herein, but accepts no liability or damages arising out

o errors in advertisements beyond the amount paidor the space actually occupied by the advertisement

in which the error occurred. Errors must be brought

to the newspaper immediately and beore any subse-quent insertion o the advertisement. We reserve the

right to restrict all ads to their proper classifcations

and to edit or reject any copy.

Toll Free Phone/Fax

1-888-431-9444

[email protected]

(NUI) - Recently, scientists discovered that the 2009 H1N1

Swine Flu virus is more like the H5N1 avian u than thehistoric 1918 pandemic H1N1 Spanish u strain, and that

current mutations of the virus have rendered previous u

vaccines less effective.

In a teleconference with colleagues, Dr. Roger Mazlen,

an internist in Rosyln Heights, NY, discussed the cur-

rent Swine Flu outbreaks. Aside from traditional medicalschool, Dr. Mazlen received specialized training at the Na-

tional Institute for Health (NIH) and is the former Clinical

Research Director for Immunotec, Ltd. in Canada. He has

practiced internal medicine and nutrition for more than 30

years.

Swine u, or H1N1, was rst isolated in a pig in 1930,

according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

tion. The virus has demonstrated an ability to migrate from

domestic pigs to humans. Dr. Mazlen said there are several

factors contributing to the current swine u outbreak, in-

cluding environmental, cultural and economic issues. “The

current recession, loss of retirement funds, compromised

nutrition, reduced exercise, obesity and other factors pro-

duce immune depression. A depressed immune system

cannot ght off the invasion of viral and other pathogens

that attempt to nd a home to set up infections in our bod-ies,” he says.

Dr. Mazlen suggests protection strategies for a potentially

larger H1N1 outbreak during the 2009 through 2010 u

season. “Frequent hand washing is a start. Also, lots of dai-

ly water helps to hydrate the body and assist the immune

system,” he said. Vitamin and mineral supplements addfortication, but Dr. Mazlen suggested also adding sh oil

because of its c linically-proven immune function support.

There is also a natural immune – stimulating product that

he has used with over 500 patients, including his family

members. The product was originally developed in Russia

but is now made in the U.S. The product, Del-Immune V,

is available at www.delimmune.com.

Dr. Mazlen said that Tamiu, the currently recommended

prescription medication used in u and Swine u, is most

effective when used within a few hours of the rst viral

symptoms. But Swine Flu, as reported by the CDC, has an

ability to mutate within hours. Tamiu may be effective

for Swine Flu in the morning, and may be ineffective by

the end of the day because of viral mutation.

Early measures to protect health might be the key to mini-

mizing potentially serious infections this u season. Dr.Mazlen closed the discussion by expressing his concern

over whether it is Swine Flu H1N1 or a mutated form of

the Swine Flu. “It is important to have an immune defense

strategy this year - the earlier the better,” he said.

(NUI) - Your journey through life should begin with one simple question: “What

can I achieve with better health?”

“Look 20 years ahead in your life, and you will know there’s no success without

health,” says tness expert Shawn Phillips, author of “Strength for Life” and“ABSolution: The Practical Guide To Building Your Best Abs.” “You can’t sacri-

ce your health for your success. They are interdependent goals.”Health and tness can impact your life, relationships and business ventures.

Physical tness can increase mental and emotional health, giving you moreenergy and a clearer mind.

Phillips recommends using the following tness goals to launch your personalsuccess:

• Set goals for the next 90 days, as well as a vision for the next year.Your vision is your ultimate destination - your personal denition of

a strong life. Goals form the steps you need to take to realize your vision.

• Don’t narrow your goals to just ftness , but also personal and professionalgoals. That way, you’re not only getting into shape, but also improving your

ability to excel in life.• Establish two quantifable goals, such as losing 10 pounds of fat or

gaining three pounds of muscle, and two mental health goals, like improvinga relationship or pursuing new interests.

• Find ways to reinvigorate your mind and body , including eliminatingrened foods, sugar and empty calories from your diet, getting restful sleep

and taking up light exercise to help you get used to moving.

“When you are strong, healthy and alive with energy, you are more effective,more condent and more in control,” says Phillips in an interview with SUC-

CESS Magazine. “Your results in life will improve as you do.”

Using Fitness to Launch You to Better Success

Healthy Living

(NUI) - When dining out, North Americans with food al-

lergies can nd restaurant visits stressful, if not hazardous.

Cross-contamination, uninformed servers or mixed-up or-

ders can easily turn a dinner date into a asco involving an

EpiPen and ambulance.

The Good News? Many restaurants are taking steps to

accommodate the more than 12 million North American

diners who have food allergies. Consumers can make in-

formed decisions, whether they’re sensitive to shellsh or

have celiac disease - a condition in which the body cannot

process gluten.

“There have never been more tools available to the con-

sumer with food allergies to access health information and

to act on what they nd,” said Andrea Levario, executive

director of the American Celiac Disease Alliance. Levar-

io, on behalf of UNO Chicago Grill, offers the following

tips to help consumers enjoy safe and healthy restaurant

meals:

Research your options online before you come in. Re-

sponsible chains put menu information online. For exam-

ple, UNO presents detailed health information, including

notes about its gluten-free dishes, on its Web site, www.

unos.com. If a restaurant doesn’t post nutrition and ingre-

dient information online, try calling ahead to speak to a

manager.

Take advantage of posted information. Many restau-

rants offer nutritional information through lobby kiosks.

Other establishments may have pamphlets that they can

provide upon request.

Alert your server. A good server will make your experi-

ence his top priority -he will want to ensure that you have

an enjoyable, safe meal. Tell your server about your spe-

cic allergies, and ask him to communicate your needs to

the kitchen.

Ask the manager for special accommodations. Manag-

ers should personally check special-needs orders, addinganother safety-control measure to your meal.

“Dining establishments are growing in their understanding

of food allergies and other customer health needs - some

in response to new laws, some voluntarily like UNO,”

said Levario. “I believe these activities are an example of

a very positive health-consciousness trend within the res-

taurant industry.”

Dining Out With Food Allergies

Expert Advice for a Safe Meal

The Earlier, the Better:

Building Immune Defenses Against H1N1



July | August 2009 | 3

Barbeque ChickenIngredients:

Dry Rub:

Combine rub into small bowl and mix

thoroughly

1/4 cup each of light brown sugar, ground

black pepper & sweet paprika

2 tablespoons each of chili powder &

kosher salt

1 tablespoon garlic powder

Mop Sauce:

1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice

1/4 cup beer

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons dry rub (see above)

Directions:

Clean chicken. Remove back bone, keel

bone and wish bone.

Make a small hole in the skin at the bottom

of the breast which will then be used to

hold the legs up snug with the chicken.

Pour 2 Tblsps. of canola oil on the chicken

and coat both sides with the dry rub.

Place the chicken on the barbeque (but not

directly over the burners). Use a smoke

box on 1 side of the barbeque with the

burners on at about 300 degrees and place

the chicken on the other side of the bar-

beque with the burners on that side off.

Baste the chicken with the mop sauce aboutevery 20-25 minutes.

NOTES:

Only ip chicken once about half way

through the cooking time (total cooking

time is around 2 hours if not directly on the

burner).

Check the temp of the chicken, at 165

degrees it is done.

Let sit for about 5 min. after your pull it off

before you cut into it.

CheesecakeIngredients:

Cake:

1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons sugar3 tablespoons melted butter (or margarine)

19 ounces of softened cream cheese (3

packages)

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons of lemon rind.

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs

9” spring form pan

The glaze requires:

1 cup of mashed fruit

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/3 cup water

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Mix the crumbs and the sugar together

VERY well. Add the melted butter and stir

until the crumbs are coated.

Pour the crumbs into the spring form pan

and form the crust. Make sure the sides and

bottom are coated very well.

Carefully put the crust in the heated oven

for 10 minutes. Note: It should turn a bit

darker, and will hold it’s form quite a bit

better. Cool. Note: Lower temperature

to 300 degrees. Beat cream cheese with

electric mixer until smooth. Gradually addsugar while beating. Add the lemon peel

and vanilla. Beat each egg in one at a time.

Pour the mixture onto the crust and place

into the oven at 350 degrees. Cook for 1

hour. Place it in the fridge for a few hours.

Glaze: Mix all ingredients in a saucepan

and heat it up until it starts to boil.

Note: You can mix in fresh fruit with the

glaze on the cheesecake

When the cake and glaze have cooled

down, remove the sides of the spring form

pan, pour the glaze on and pile on the left-

over fresh fruit.

verb1 [ trans. ] prepare (food, a dish, or a meal) by combining and heating the

ingredients in various ways. shall I cook dinner tonight?

Crepes with SerranoHam, Brie and Cantaloupe

Ingredients:

Batter:

This batter makes about 20 or so small 7

inch crepes.

2 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1 cup our

3 tablespoons melted butter

1/4 tsp salt

Filling:

Thinly sliced Serrano ham (you could alsouse prosciutto)

Thinly sliced cantaloupe

Cut up brie.

Directions:

Mix batter ingredients in blender, pulsing

for about 10-15 seconds until combined.

Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Put a little butter in a small nonstick skillet

on medium heat.

When warm, ladle about 1 oz of batter into

the pan, swirling around.

When it is ready to ip (usually about

30-60 seconds), it will be dry on top andcrinkly around the edges.

NOTE: When it gets close to being ready

to ip it will release from the pan.

Once ipped, put lling ingredients on half

of the crepe, like an omelet.

2nd side should be done in about 1 minute.

Once done, fold and serve




Destination Information

(NUI) - Bed-and-breakfasts aren’t just for

the old folks anymore…”We’re seeing

a lot of travelers in their twenties now,”

said Katherine Brown, proprietor of the

Bloomsbury Inn in Camden and a board

member of the 74-member South Carolina

Bed and Breakfast Association. “They’re

like anyone else ... they appreciate the per-

sonal touch. Bed-and-Breakfasts offer a

great deal of service at a better price point

than people originally think.”

Romantic getaways are a particular spe-

cialty. “We’ll get the chocolate, arrange the

ne dining, put the rose petals on the bed,

that whole host of things that makes a stay

with us a total experience,” Brown said.

South Carolina’s bed-and-breakfast com-

munity also offers diversity in price points,

geography and history. (Brown’s own es-

tablishment, for instance, was the home of

Civil War diarist Mary Boykin Chestnut.)

As for cost, $100 or a little more a night

will get you the front porch mint julep ex-

perience in the state’s small towns, on up to

a few hundred dollars a night in the high-end B&Bs in Charleston.

Bed-and-breakfasts are an excellent way to

get luxury accommodations in communi-

ties that don’t have a lot of business-level

hotels. For instance, the Oak Manor Inn

sits on a shady lot near the picturesque lit-

tle campus of Coker College in Hartsville.

Owner Steve Tinney caters to the typical

bed-and-breakfast traveler but also to busi-

nessmen in town for meetings.

And, while they’re known for their break-

fasts, of course, bed-and-breakfasts also

can provide luxury dining. Abingdon

Manor, located in Latta just off Interstate

95 in northeast South Carolina, is a prime

example. There, innkeepers Mike and Pat-ty Griffey have added ne dinner cuisine,

along with cooking classes and well-re-

ceived e-newsletters, to the usual morning

fare.

And for those with a special appreciation

for the fruits of the vine, there’s Kilburnie,

the Inn at Craig Farm. Owned by JohannesTromp, a former general manager of the

Windows of the World restaurant atop the

World Trade Towers, this bucolic setting

near Lancaster has been listed in Wine

Spectator magazine for its ne collection.

A great place to start the search is at www.

southcarolinabedandbreakfast.com, the

association’s Web site. There, potential

guests can search by city, check out indi-

vidual properties and even download fa-

vorite recipes.

(ARA) – You booked your trip and the excitement for your upcoming vacation in-

creases as you count down the days before your travel adventure starts. But to help

ensure your vacation becomes a travel delight and not a travel nightmare, there are

some things you should consider prior to takeoff.

Prep Your Passport

Make sure you sign your passport and ll out the emergency information page. Con-

sider making a copy of this information and leaving it, along with your trip itinerary,

with a family member or a friend.

Pack for Safety

What you pack can help you avoid being a target of crime. Research the appropriate

attire of the location where you will be traveling. Dressing too ashy or too casually

instantly tells locals you are a tourist. Also, consider leaving jewelry, watches and

extra cash at home where they are safe.

Secure All Luggage Put your name, address and telephone number on the inside and outside of all pieces

of luggage. Put a copy of your travel itinerary inside your luggage, especially if you

are on a tour. That way, if your luggage is lost, the airline can direct it to where you

are located.

Purchase Global Medical Assistance

Did you know that your medical insurance might not protect you while traveling and

that only 8 percent of plans cover an evacuation for medical reasons while you’re in

a foreign country? It’s a smart idea to purchase medical and travel assistance from a

company like On Call International.

Handle Prescription Medications with Care

To avoid problems with customs, keep any prescription medications in the original,

labeled containers and consider bringing copies of your prescriptions along with the

generic names in case questions arise.

(ARA) One of the best imaginable “staycations” for families is a return to the great

North American camping experience. If you are among those who are shedding theconveniences of a hotel room for the rst time and are seeking a more comfortable

experience, consider these top tips for an incredible camping trip:

1. Pick the right campsite.

Backyard or backwoods? Chances are, your backyard is a wonderland that you’ve

never truly experienced, and camping there allows you to do so without forfeitingyour creature comforts. And it’s free, making this a great rst option. But if you’re in

the mood for a little more adventure and the idea of getting away inspires you, check

out your local campgrounds and parks. Many campsites are available, including

prime waterfront sites if the deep woods are not your thing, with basic fees of less

than $20 per night.

2. Choose the right gear.

Borrow or buy? If you’re “staycationing” for the rst time, borrowing camping gear

from a friend is a great idea. It will allow you to try it out without risk and gain a bet-

ter idea of what features you like when it does come time for you to buy. If you are

ready to buy, remember that although purchasing gear is the most expensive part of

camping, it is just a one-time expense and with care, your gear will last for years to

come at little or no additional cost.

Choosing a quality tent is important, so resist the temptation to buy an inexpensive

one; with tents, you typically get what you pay for, and if your bargain tent ends up

leaking during a sudden storm, you’ll regret the entire experience. Remember, if you

need to store extra gear, you’re better off choosing a tent that sleeps more people thanyou need or that includes added storage space.

When purchasing sleeping bags, look for bags that are rated to the lowest tempera-

ture you’re likely to see. To make the campsite more user-friendly and comfortable,

consider adding camp pads beneath your sleeping bag and additional furniture such

as tables, folding hammocks, cots and chairs.

3. Bring the right essentials and be creative.

Be creative - make cooking a family affair by bringing your own portable grill and

easy camp recipes from the Web. Let the kids share in the cooking fun by toasting

marshmallows and making s’mores for dessert. For personal care, most family camp-

grounds offer basic amenities, although sometimes they can be limited, so stick to

bringing the basic toiletries but skip the extras, like blow dryers. Lastly, remember to

bring these inexpensive items that become absolutely priceless in the outdoors: rst

aid kit, ashlight, pocket knife, charcoal and starter fuel, trash bags, dish soap and

for the kids - cards, books, board games and ghost stories for having fun no matter

what the weather brings.

Travel and more Bed-and-Breakfasts Oer Pampering, Value, History

Top Tips for Smart and Safe Travelers

Three Simple Tipsfor an Aordable

Family Camping Trip



H.3977 - Fantastic upgrades thru-out

in this 3 bed+den, 2 bath, 1975 under

air, 2686 total sf home. Tile on diago-

nal, including guest bed & den, granite

countertop all baths & kitchen. De-

tailed custom tile in-lays, glass etching

on French doors, designer light xtures

& ceiling fans, under mounting lighting.

Gourmet kitchen, stainless appliances,

built-in oven, 42” paneled cabinets. La-

nai w/pavers, built-in heated pool/spa,

large lake view w/stunning fountain.

Offered at $418,900

Call Michael 239-777-0473

Grandezza, Estero

C.4581 - 2+den, 2 bath, 1727

under air, Carriage home in private

gated golng community. Vaulted

ceilings, tile in main living areas.Kitchen w/breakfast bar opens into

the comfortable living room of-fering fantastic views of the large

lake & golf course. Great centrallylocated community, with beautiful

53,000 sf club house.Offered at $209,000.


Grandezza, Estero


Real

estate .com

H.2011 4 Bed, 3 ½ bath, 2910 under

air, 5079 total sq ft. Beautiful serene

lake views, tropical landscaping,

nestled on a cul-de-sac. Kitchen,

w/stainless built-ins, granite coun-

tertops, decorative backsplash tile.

Formal living & dining room, family

room w/replace & built-in. Lanai

w/pavers, built-in heated pool/spa w/

private entry to master suite. Offered

at $749,000.


Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs Twin Eagles, NaplesL.680 Build your own custom estate

home on this large lot on the 10th

fairway in this exclusive golng

community, w/two golf courses de-

signed by Nicklaus & Player. Private

Community offers miles of scenic

walking trails, biking paths, parks

gardens, 47,000 sf clubhouse, Har-

Tru tennis courts, tness club, dining

& has hosted the ACE Group Classic

& PGA champions Tour! Offered at

$129,000.

Call Michael 239-777-0473.

The next time you are tempted to say something hurtful to someone just because you’re angry, you might want to stopand remember this story: it’s a keeper. Read it here.

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gavehim a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, hemust hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The rst day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails ham-mered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier tohold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. Hetold his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pullout one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The dayspassed and the young boy was nally able to tell his father that all thenails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. Thefence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leavea scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is stillthere.”

The little boy then understood how powerful his words were. Helooked up at his father and said “I hope you can forgive me father for the holes I put in you.”

“Of course I can,” said the father.

Selling a home quickly and for the rightprice is a balancing act: Price too high andyou won’t sell, but price too low and youmay lose money. The stakes are high! Thisexplains how Michael Burke and his Team

can help you make the right decision.

Our Comparative Market AnalysisWith this service, we look at all the fac-tors that might inuence the value of your

property, and come up with a price that’s

guaranteed to attract buyers. Our CMAincludes a thorough inspection of yourhome, research on other sold properties inthe area, and tips on how to quickly makeyour home more attractive – some of ourndings here could bring as much as ve

dollars in extra sales price for every dollar

you invest.

By the end of our CMA, you’ll have achecklist of strategies to sell your homefor the highest value possible. Putting thiskind of care into pricing and nding the

market niche for your home will also helpthe sale go faster. Contact Michael [email protected] a free CMA on your home.

How Pricing WorksStudies show that price accounts for 80 percent of the effectiveness of any real estatemarketing campaign. That’s why it’s im-perative to price your SW Florida home atfair market value right from the start. With

this approach, you’ll often nd that therst offer on your home is your best offer.

The gure below illustrates that only

homes priced at market value (or below)appeal to the largest group of buyers. Overpricing your SW Florida home shrinks theprospective buyer pool by more than 50per cent. It further illustrates that a prop-erty priced just 15 per cent above the mar-ket value appealed to none of the qualied

buyer pool.

Finding the Right Price for Your Home

Time on market can also signicantly impact the value

of your home. Your property will attract the most interest

from buyers and real estate agents when it rst appears

on the market, with activity decreasing as the markettime increases. As the chart shows, the most opportune

time to generate a sale on your SW Florida home is three

to seven weeks after listing it with a real estate agent.

Pricing Factors

+15%

+10%Market Value

-10%

-15%

10%

30%60%

75%

90%

ASKING PRICE PERCENTAGE OF

BUYERS

a

c

t

i

V

i

t

Y

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Weeks on the Market

Nails in the Fence Author Unknown




money matters

(ARA) – The summer months can bring big expenses. The

weather is nice, your wardrobe needs a short-sleeved up-

date, you’ve got vacation time to travel and extra daylight

hours to tackle home improvement projects on your list.

With so many potential expenses, it’s important to maxi-

mize your money.

David Bach, founder of www.FinishRich.com and No.1

New York Times bestselling author of “Fight For Your

Money,” offers tips on how to protect your nances, ght

for your money and help reach your summer goals.

* Don’t take anybody’s word for anything

A handshake and someone’s good word used to be enough

to ensure they’d follow through on the service they’d

promised. No more. Get all guarantees and warranties for

products and services in writing.

* Do your homework

Use the resources available to you online and comparison

shop for everything. Educate yourself about any product

or service you’re in the market for and, before you send

anyone money or sign a contract, check them out thor-

oughly. Never hesitate to ask for references and make sure

to follow up.

* Figure out the total cost

If you put items on your credit card and don’t pay the bill

in full each month, you’ll end up paying much more for

the item than you ever thought. Look for stores like Kmart

that offer layaway and purchase your patio furniture, lawn

equipment or even the kids’ clothes for back to school.

With Kmart layaway, you select your items in the store,

make a down payment at the layaway counter, make your

payments every two weeks and, once your payments have

been completed, take your items home with no interest

payments.

* Resist efforts that pressure or intimidate you

Salespeople ght hard for each sale they make, but most

honest salespeople don’t pressure you to “act now or else.”

That’s a sign you shouldn’t act at all. If you think you’ve

been scammed, it’s important to report it to the appropriate

authorities.

* There’s no such thing as a set price

With many services and consumer goods such as cars,

gym memberships and cable TV, not everyone pays the

same price. You’ve got more power than you think and it

pays to try to negotiate whenever you can.

* Money gives you control, so hold onto it as long as

you can

Use cash whenever possible and, if you’re using credit

cards, try to pay them off in full each month. Avoid en-

tering into long-term service agreements if you can, since

they can end up costing much more than they’re worth.

Summer Can Be Expensive - Maximize Your Money

(ARA) – When the shock of

shattered nest eggs eased,

many North Americans got

down to the serious workof rebuilding their nancial

futures. Already, tentative

predictions of improvement

are replacing dire warnings

of doom in headlines across

North America.

If you’re a baby boomer,you may be in better -

nancial shape than people

in other generations. But

you might also feel greater

pressure to preserve the

wealth you’ve retained and

protect your ability to con-

tinue saving for retirement.

Identity theft is one of the

fastest-growing threatsto the nancial health of

North Americans.

The FTC recommends the

following to avoid ID theft

– deter, detect and defend:

Deterring ID theft

* Always use passwords for

credit, bank and other per-

sonal accounts, especially

if you access them online,

and ensure the passwords

are not something easy to

guess.

* Inquire about security

measures in use by busi-

nesses with whom you

must share your personalinformation, such as doc-tor’s ofces or even your

own employer.

* Secure your own personal

information by shredding

documents with identify-

ing information before

you trash them at home or

at work. Never share per-

sonal information over the

phone, through mail or on-

line unless you’ve initiated

the contact and you’re con-

dent about whom you’re

dealing with.

* Don’t carry your SSN

/ SIN card with you andshare the number only

when absolutely necessary.

Ask if you can use an alter-

nate type of ID when asked

for you SSN / SIN.

Detecting ID theft

* Keep an eye on your

credit report for any suspi-

cious activity. Review your

report at least once a year;

more often if you’ve previ-

ously been a victim of ID

theft.

* Watch out for signs your

ID has been stolen, such as

not receiving expected bills

or mail, receiving creditcards you didn’t apply for,

calls or letters from debt

collectors about products

or services you didn’t buy,

etc.

Defend against ID theft

Consider enrolling in an

ID protection program that

helps monitor your credit

report. These products can

monitor your credit reports

at all three major credit re-

porting bureaus on a daily

basis and sends regular “all

clear” e-mail alerts to give

you peace of mind that

there have been no changesto your credit reports.

If suspicious activity such

as unauthorized new ac-

counts, credit applications,

address or public records

changes or potentially neg-

ative information appears

on your credit les, the

product alerts you quickly.

Visit www.ProtectMyID.

com to learn more.

(ARA) - If you’re remodeling or

redecorating this season, you’re

probably also buying some good-

ies to spruce up your home - like

an antique dining set, original art-

work or a high-end oriental rug.

Insurance experts warn that your

homeowners or renters policy

often won’t replace higher value

items if they’re damaged or de-

stroyed. Similarly, your policy

might not cover your most unique

or sentimental possessions.

Special items warrant specialcoverage

For unique and hard-to-value

possessions, it’s best to go with

an insurer that specializes in such

items, says Jaclyn Krywar, who

works for QBE Specialty Insur-

ance. “A company that specializes

in underwriting valuable articles

can provide the most competitive

pricing, broadest policies, and in

the event of a claim, accurate es-

timates for replacing or restoring

an item,” she says.

For off-beat and sentimental

items, like your family heirloom

Civil War rie or that costume

from Star Wars you bought on

eBay, you’ll likely need a special-

ty insurer in order to nd cover-

age. However, Krywar says most

specialty policies protect more

common valuables like a family’swedding china or silverware, a

few paintings and a small jewelry

collection.

A foater could foat you

Another option is inland marinecoverage (often called a “oater”

or “scheduled personal prop-

erty”) that’s added to your

homeowners or renters policy.

This will boost your limit and

broaden your “cause of loss”

for specic items.

Why is that important? Take

a wedding ring. The average

cost of a diamond ring is al-

most $4,000. But if it’s stolen

your standard homeowners

policy would probably only

cover about $1,000. And on a

standard homeowners or rent-

ers policy, jewelry is covered for“named perils” like re, theft or

lightning. When scheduled sepa-

rately, it’s covered on an “all-

risk” basis, even if you drop your

diamond into the running garbage

disposal.

Farris adds that most consumers

nd the cost of scheduling to be

very reasonable. For example, to

cover a $3,000 ring costs about

$30 a year on a policy from QBE

Regional’s General Casualty or

Unigard brands.

When deciding which items to

schedule, the experts say to con-

sider anything valued over $1,000

or any group collectively valued

over $2,000 (think china set).

“Schedule items you couldn’t

afford to replace on your own,”

Farris says. “And consult with

your independent insurance agent

to make sure your most prized

possessions are adequately pro-

tected.”

Special Valuables Require SpecialInsurance

Protecting your rebuilt nest egg: ID theft basics for boomers




Across

1- Nabokov novel;

5- Chieftain, usually in Africa;

9- Autocratic Russian rulers;

14- Hindu music;

15- Ballot choice;

16- The number system with

base 8;

17- Epic narrative poem;18- Conforming to a custom;

20- 3.26 light years;

22- According to;

23- Nailed obliquely;

24- Latin I word;

26- Agitated state;

28- Discoverer of America;

32- Metamorphic rock;

36- Actress Gardner;

37- Winged;

39- Frog sound;

40- Freeway access;

42- Eject;

44- Eye sore;

45- Pong maker;

47- Chou ___;

49- Black bird;

50- Shipworm;

52- Military post;

54- Travel on water;

56- Streetcar;

57- Mid-month times;

60- Barrett of Pink Floyd;

62- Feature;

66- Conveying to destination;

69- He sang about Alice;

70- Sheeplike;

71- A big fan of;

72- It may be foated;73- Feudal lord;

74-“All the Way” lyricist

Sammy;

75- Bang-up;

Down

1- Get ready;

2- California wine region;

3- Borodin’s prince;

4- Capital of the Bahamas;

5- Capable of being evoked;

6- Crowd;

7- ___ boy!;

8- Staggers;

9- Mazel ___;

10- Disperses;

11- ___ extra cost;

12- Contest, ethnicity;

13- Dog-powered snow vehicle;

19- Pealed;

21- Anarchist Goldman;

25- Blandly urbane;

27- Business abbr.;

28- 200 milligrams;

29- Egg-shaped;

30- Truman’s birthplace;

31- Sharp pain;

33- Little bits;

34- Decline;35- Loose coil of yarn;

38- Acclaim;

41- Urgent;

43- Seasoning plant;

46- Agency of the United

Nations;

48- Some nest eggs;

51- Seine feeder;

53- An African antelope;

55- Song part;

57- Billy ___ had a hit song with

“White Wedding”;

58- Hindu mother goddess;

59- “Night” author Wiesel;

61- Actress Merrill;

63- Switch ending;

64- Extended family unit;

65- Accent;

67- Flight formation;

68- Advanced degree?;

Answers on page 14Crossword puzzles provided by

BestCrosswords.com

The objective is to insert letters in the boxes to satisfy only

one condition: each row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain

the letters A through I exactly once. What could be simpler?

Answers on page 14Compliments of www.sudokucollection.com

Answers on page 14Compliments of

www.WuzzlesandPuzzles.com

What’s a math challenge you ask? A math challenge is group o numbers ormed in a block flled withaddition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Each number is

only used once.Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation.Some o the numbers are missing. You fll in the missing numbers.

Try to fll in the missing numbersUse the numbers 1 through 9 to complete the equations.

Each number is only used once.

Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation.

Remember that multiplication and division are performed before

addition and subtraction.

Get Puzzled

CrosswordPhrase Scramble 1

Unscramble the tiles to reveal a message.

Hint: Famous Lines from Famous Things



Visit www.CoconutPointRelEstte.com for Additionl Pictures of Tese nd Other S Website owned and maintained by Michael Burke of J

H.3936 Estate home w/abundance of upgrades

& details thru-out. 3 bed+Den, 3 bath 2824

under air, 4154 total sf w/separate formal liv-

ing & dining room. Tile on diagonal, tray ceil-ings, crown molding. Gourmet kitchen, w/

granite counter-tops, 42” maple cabinets w/

crown molding, built-in appliances, designer

cook top hood, nook with large miter windowoffering outstanding views of golf course &

lake. Incredible lanai w/pavers, stunning pil-

lars, nished ceiling & built-in heated pool &

spa. $679,000.


Grandézza, Estero

H.4085 3+Den, 3.5 bath, 3154 under air, 5701

total sf stunning courtyard home. Attention to

detail and fabulous upgrades thru-out. Sur-

round sound, built-in entertainment center,state-of-the-art security system, gourmet kitch-

en, granite, tile, hardwood oors, tray ceilings,

faux paint, designer window treatments, plan-

tation shutters, built-in entertainment center& much more…Paver Courtyard w/private

cabana, built-in gas heated pool & ower beds.

Offered at $899,000.


Shadow Wood at The Brooks, Bonita Springs

H.2168 3+Den, 3 bath Mediterranean stylegreat room open oor plan, with 2481 unde-rair and 3282 total sq ft. Coffered,volumeceilings, gourmet kitchenwith granitecounter-tops, and upgraded tile. Homeoffered at$519,000 with a beautiful lakev-iew located in a private gated golng

community.


Grandézza, Estero

H.2908 Spectacular open great room oorplan, with 3 Bed+Den, 3 bath, 2939 underair, 3925 total sq ft. Many added touches inthis designer decorated home for a casuallifestyle with custom features throughout.

Enjoy the kitchen w/state-of-the-art built-in appliances, 42” wood cabinetry, granitecounter tops. Offered at $979,000 w/cus-tom pool w/views of a lake, golf courseand woods located in a private gated com-munity.


Grandézza, Estero

H. 3630 - 2+Den, 2 bath, 2000 under air,3627 total sq. ft. Faux nishes, window

treatments, chair railings, crown molding,tile, hardwood oors.. endless upgrades.

Kitchen, granite countertop/backsplash,cabinets w/crown molding. Expansivesliders from great room to lanai w/built-inpool w/tropical views & lake beyond. Of-fered at $419,000.


Grandézza, Estero

C.4396 Cozy, spacious 2 bed, 2 bath, sec-

ond oor Coach home with 1480 under

air, 1630 total sf. One of the few units

available with a landscaped view. Tile

oor, dramatic high ceilings. Golf, ame-

nities and clubhouse included in monthly

fee. Offered at $169,950.


Fountain Lakes, Estero

H.3999 3+Den, 3 bath, 2493 under air,

3500 total sf. Rich in detail & incredible

views of large lake & golf course beyond.

Tile, tray ceilings w/crown, archways,

window treatments. Kitchen, 42” cabi-

nets, granite counter tops, nook w/miter

window. Lanai w/pillars, built-in pool &

pool bath.



Grandézza, Estero

H.3625 - 3 Bed+Den, 3 bath, 2455 un-der air, 4046 total sq. ft courtyard homew/Tiki Bar. Great for entertaining w/built-in pool & spa. Numerous upgrades thru-out.Tile, crown molding, blinds, topelight-ing, state-of-the-art kitchen. Discountedgolf membership & golf cart also for sale.



Grandézza, Estero

H.3582 3 Bed+Den, 3.5 Bath, 3014 un-der air, 5693 total sf Courtyard home w/beautiful expansive views of lake, golf course & woods. Numerous upgrades thru-out, crown molding, plantation shutters,tile, hardwood oors, custom built-ins,

Bose surround sound. Stunning gourmetkitchen, w/granite countertops, 42” cherrycabinets w/crown molding, decorative tile.



Shadow Wood at the Brooks, Bonita Springs

H.3817 3 Bed+Den, 2 bath, 2207 underair, 4027 total sq. ft. Tile on diagonal, win-dow treatments, accented painted walls,tray ceilings w/crown molding, stunningarchways thru-out. Gourmet kitchen, 42”raised paneled cabinets, pantry w/winecooler, nook w/mitered glass. Great pri-vate guest suite w/bath leading to the largelanai w/built-in pool. Offered at $449,000.


Grandézza, Estero

C.5318 3 Bed, 3.5 bath, 2665 under air,3225 total sf. End unit residence w/tropi-cal views of Estero Bay, golf course andwooded preserve. Numerous upgrades.Gourmet kitchen, built-in stainless appli-ances, upgraded cabinets/drawers. GreatRoom w/expansive solar tinted windows,oor to ceiling glass sliders leading to theincredible tiled terrace. Luxurious mastersuite and bath w/double sink granite van-ity and roman style tub surrounded in tile.Offered at $599,900.


The Colony – Castella, Bonita Springs

Choose success.

Few real estate agents are as driven as Mic

committees, this multi-million dollar produc

involved. Whether you are selling or buying

state-of-the-art marketing methods, integrit

satisfaction. His drive to succeed is temper

Choose Mical Brk

as your real estate agent, and it



Real

estate.com

Florid Homes or Cll D. Michel Burke, p.a. 239.777.0473 for Additionl Informtionhn R. Wood REALTORS, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

C.5026 - Turnkey, 2 Bed, 2 Bath, 1209

under air, 1428 total sq. ft. rst oor unit,

tile in main living areas, neutral tones

& decorative window treatments Per-

fect for the avid golfer, w/views of the

golf course/lake from the living room,

lanai & master bedroom. Wonderful

bundled golf community, with numer-

ous amenities. Offered at $239,900.


Spring Run at the Brooks, Bonita Springs

H.3826 - 2 Bed+Den, 2 bath 2000 under air,3449 total sq. ft. Decorated in neutral tonesw/relaxing Tommy Bahama Décor’. Tileon diagonal, tray ceilings, crown molding,plantation shutters, window treatments, highceilings. Automatic roll down shutters front/rear & new high efciency A.C w/extended

warranty. Sliders leading from greatroom,kitchen nook & master suite to Lanai w/solarheated built-in pool & ower beds w/tranquil

views of lake & landscape beyond. Offered$419,000.


Grandézza, Estero

H.3620 Beautiful designer decorated 4Bed+Den, 4.5 bath, 3495 under air, 4867total sq. ft. Estate home w/countless up-grades. Tile on diagonal, tray ceilings, ropelighting, window treatments. Formal living,dining room & den w/double door entry w/stunning built-in. Gourmet kitchen, built-in appliances. 42” cabinets w/crown mold-ing, family room w/expansive corner slid-ers opens the room to the lanai w/tropicalwooded views beyond. Built-in pool/spa &grill, w/separate guest suite entry w/privatebath off the lanai. Offered at $899,900.


Grandézza, Estero

C.5016 - First oor turnkey immaculate

3 Bed, 2 bath, 1627 under air, 2007 to-

tal sq. ft. condo Blinds thru-out, tile,

carpet, double door entry to bedroom/

den. Large kitchen w/raised paneled

cabinets & crown molding, comfortable

living room w/ spectacular views of lake

& golf course. Master bedroom, large

walk-in closet, private entry to the lanai.

Offered at $299,000 furnished.


Rapallo at Coconut Point, EsteroV.1238 - Mediterranean style villa w/3bed+den, 3 bath, 2376 under air, 3712 to-tal sf, w/master suite on 1st oor. Stunningtwo story ceilings, plantation shutters, tileon diagonal. Private 2nd oor bedroom,kitchenette & loft looking down to living

room and gourmet kitchen w/stainless steelappliances, cabinets w/crown molding,granite countertops. Expansive wall-wallsliders leading to the lanai w/private custombuilt-in pool and views of expansive lake.Offered at $499,000.


H.3828 3 Bed, 3 bath 1878 under air,3938 total sq. ft. Private guest Cabana,spacious kitchen/nook, center island, cab-inet’s w/crown molding & large sliders

opening to the courtyard w/pavers, built-in heated pool & spa. Tile in main livingareas, intercom, blinds, high ceilings thru-out. Master bedroom & greatroom withseparate entrances to the screened lanai.Offered $419,000.


Grandézza, Estero

H.3837 2 Bed + Den, 2 bath 1750 underair, 3539 total sq. ft. Views of the 17thfairway w/tropical landscaping surround-ing. Upgraded w/tile main living areas,tile inlays, blinds, crown molding, chairrailings. Large sliders thru-out in livingroom, breakfast nook, master suite leadingto the lanai w/paver, built-in heated pool& outstanding views beyond. Offered

$479,900.


Spring Run at the Brooks, Bonita Springs

C.5684 - 3 Bed, 2 bath end unit 1642 un-der air, 2010 total sf. Designer decoratedin a neutral tropical décor’. Great fea-tures, tile main living, faux nished accent

walls, window treatments, radio/intercom

thru-out, plus more. Expansive slidersin living room with entry to the screened

tiled lanai offering beautiful tropical viewsof large lake and golf course.Offered at 264,900 furnished.


Grandézza, Estero

C.5674 - 3+Den, 2 bath 2nd oor Carriage

Home with 2387 under air, 2860 total sf w/bundled golf in this beautiful Mediter-ranean inspired community. Tile, berbercarpet, hardwood oor, window blinds

thru-out. Kitchen w/42” maple paneledcabinets w/crown molding. Sliders fromliving room to lanai with beautiful tropi-cal views.Offered at $299,000 partly furnished.


Vasari, Bonita Springs

The Colony – LaScala, Bonita Springs

Grandézza, Estero

C.5257 - 19th oor 3 bed, 3.5 bath, 3295under air, 4215 total sf w/breathtakingpanoramic views of the Bay & Gulf of Mexico. Designer decorated 10’ ceil-ings, crown molding, plantation shutters,window treatments, tray ceilings, gran-ite countertops, state-of-the-art kitchen,custom artist’s murals. Must see to trulyappreciate the beauty & views of thisresidence. Residence is one of only 13units offering a private indoor separatetwo-car garage w/adjoining large A/Cstorage room, $945,000.


The Colony – Palermo, Bonita Springs

C.5305 3 Bed + Den, 4.5 bath, 4068 under

air, 4988 total sf. Decorator ready residence

in an exclusive community w/panoramicviews of the Gulf & Bay. Private elevator,

vestibule, tray ceilings, crown molding.

Kitchen w/built-in stainless appliances, granite

countertops, custom 42” cabinets. Master suitew/private entry to terrace & marble baths.

Offered at $1,150,000


Choose Michael.

ael Burke. A member of numerous local real estate

r keeps tabs on the local market by staying intimately

Michael brings to the table strong negotiation skills,

, and the ambition it takes to achieve 100 percent

ed only by his understanding of his clients’ needs.

n t id f suCCess.




Beef PocheroIngredients:

1/2 kilo stewing beef, cut into cubes

1 small head of a cabbage, quartered

1/4 kilo Chinese cabbage (pechay)

2 medium sized potatoes, quartered5 plantains peeled and sliced in the middle

1 big can of pork and beans

1/2 cup tomato paste

2 cups water

1 small onion sliced

3 cloves garlic minced

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Fry the plantains until slightly golden

brown.

Take off the oil and set aside.

Sauté the garlic and onions.

Add in the beef.Sauté until it changes color.

Season with some salt and pepper.

Add tomato paste and water

Mix and let it boil.

Cover and simmer over low medium heat

until beef is tender.

Once the beef is tender, add in the potatoes.

Let it simmer some more until the potatoes

are cooked.

Add in the rest of the ingredients - veggies,

pork and beans and plantains.

Note: just pile them in and cover for a few

minutes allowing the veggies to wilt a bit.

Gently mix them until ingredients are wellincorporated into the sauce.

Thai Style Coconut Milk SoupIngredients:

1 small shallot, chopped1 stalk lemongrass, trimmed, cut, and

smashed

3 1/8” ginger rounds

2 Tbsp cilantro, stems and leaves, coarsely

chopped

2 lime leaves, rough cut

1/2 tsp red curry paste

1 1/4 cup chicken stock

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/4 tsp sh sauce

1 tsp lime juice

cilantro leaves for garnish

Directions:

In a small saucepan over medium heat,

sweat shallots in a little canola oil until

soft.

Add the ginger, lemongrass, curry paste

and lime leaves until fragrant and starting

to brown.

Add the cilantro and chicken stock, bring

to boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 15

minutes.

Remove from heat and strain.

Add coconut milk and heat over very low

heat until just warmed through.

Add sh sauce and lime juice.

Makes about 2 cups.

Enough for several amuse bouches, or 1large bowl.

verb1 [ trans. ] prepare (food, a dish, or a meal) by combining and heating the

ingredients in various ways. shall I cook dinner tonight?

Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad Ingredients:

Watermelon

Feta

Mint

Finishing salt if desired

Directions:

Cut a large rectangular chunk of water-

melon

With a melon ball scoop or rounded mea-

suring spoon, scoop out a round hole from

the melon.

Fill with crumbled feta and mint

Garnish with a bit of nishing salt (if

desired) and a mint sprig, and serve on a

chilled salad plate.




In and Out

(ARA) - Soothing hot tubs have become a

favored home improvement that promotes

relaxation and provides a sanctuary from

everyday pressures. But how do you nd

the hot tub that’s right for you? Consider

these factors before making your decision:

1. Capacity

Consider your family size and how often

you expect to entertain friends and rela-

tives. Seating options typically range from

one person to seven.

2. Jets

One of the big advantages of factory-man-

ufactured hot tubs is the variety of jet types.

Over the long term, you will appreciate the

different types of massage for relaxation

and recovery - so look for hot tubs that of-

fer a wide variety of jet types, not just the

total number of jets.

3. Entertainment

Look for spas with practical entertainment

features such as stereos with integrated

memory to store digital music, USB ports

docking stations for your iPod, MP3 plugs

and subwoofers.

4. Size and Space

How large is your backyard or patio? If you

have limited room or a small access gate,

consider models that are less than 30 inch-

es tall or models with a small footprint.

5. Construction

Select a hot tub with full-foam insulation to

ensure heat retention. Inexpensive models

without foam will cost more over time to

operate. Also look at the skirting/cabinetry

as it is important to the overall look.

6. Covers

Make sure that your hot tub comes with

an insulating cover and be sure to utilize

cover locks to keep children out of the spa

when adults are not supervising.

7. Manufacturers

Not all hot tubs are created equal, so choose

a brand with a local authorized dealer for

service and a track record for making qual-

ity products.

Now is the time for adeck safety check(ARA) - Your deck is the perfect

place to enjoy the warm weather with

friends and loved ones. But an unsafe

deck could possibly collapse, caus-

ing serious injuries to you and your

guests. So, if it’s summer, it’s time for

a deck safety check.

The number of deck failures and re-

sulting injuries has been increasing

at an alarming rate. The experts at

the North American Deck and Rail-

ing Association, Inc. (NADRA) offer

the following tips to help determine

whether your deck is safe to use or

needs a few repairs before the summer

fun can begin:

* Use the “10-Point Deck Safety

Checklist” at nadra.org to determine

maintenance, repair and replacement

needs.

* If you’ve never had your deck pro-

fessionally inspected, make an ap-

pointment today.

* If you nd your deck is not safe to

enjoy, NADRA advises taking imme-diate action to have it repaired or re-

built as necessary.

A key element of enjoying your deck

for years to come is making sure it is

safe and code compliant. When hir-

ing a deck builder, there is more to

consider than just price. NADRA rec-

ommends homeowners contact their

city or county building department to

speak with an inspector knowledge-

able about deck construction.

For more information visit www.na-

dra.org.

choose the right hot tub

in ten easy steps

(ARA) - Summer 2009 may be a bit less dry than last year in some areas of the country,

according to the National Weather Service’s Seasonal Drought Outlook. But it still makes

sense, both environmentally and economically, to conserve water as much as possible in

your gardening and landscaping efforts. Conserving water makes sense environmentally,

and can also help your family reduce your water utility bill this summer.

Here are some tips for conserving water and saving money by reducing your water bill in

your corner of planet.

* Choose drought-resistant native plants for your landscaping needs. From ornamental

grasses to shrub roses, many drought-tolerant native species can be found in your geo-

graphic region that offer bright color and visual appeal.

* Groom soil for optimum water absorption and retention. The U.S. Department of Ag-

riculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service recommends adding water-retaining

organic material to your soil.

* Look for alternative water sources other than the outdoor tap – such as collecting the

water that drains from your air conditioner. Consider collecting roof runoff in a rain barrel

for use in ower beds and vegetable gardens.

* Irrigate efciently with low-volume irrigation systems and smart watering practices.

Many communities now require all newly built homes to use low-volume irrigation in

their landscapes. On average, micro sprinklers and drip irrigation uses 80 to 90 percent

less water than traditional irrigation systems. To learn more about low-volume irriga-

tion, visit www.misterlandscaper.com. For more information on water conservation, go

to www.nrcs.usda.gov.

* Design your landscaping to minimize evaporation. Windbreaks and fences slow the

movement of the wind over the ground and the evaporation it causes.

W-v, m-v tips f mm d




Feature Columnist

This column is produced by the Financial Planning Association and

provided by Al Procaccino, a member of FPA and Certied Financial

Planner with Castle Financial.

The weather’s great, so staying inside

with your nances probably doesn’t

sound like a very entertaining option.

But a midyear review of your tax

situation, retirement and spending is-

sues can be far more valuable than

the rushed attempt most people make

at the end of the year—or when it’s

too late at tax time.

Summer’s actually a good time to do

this task because there’s still enoughtime to correct lapses in savings,

spending or tax planning. Here’s

what most people should cover:

Retirement savings: Given the state

of the economy, it’s not a bad time

to review your retirement funds and

your current investment allocation. If

you are on schedule to max out your

contributions to your company retire-

ment plan this year, great. But don’t

forget to check your other retirement

accounts to see if you’ll have enough

cash on hand to contribute the maxi-

mum in each account by their respec-

tive deadlines next year.

Health and health insurance: In-

creasingly, what we pay for health

insurance will be tied to the state

of our health. While the weather is

good, commit to a plan to walk or hit

the gym a specic number of hours a

week. Many insurers reset premiums

at mid-year in a rising cost environ-

ment, so make sure you’re ready to

switch plans or negotiate different

coverage if necessary during open

enrollment in the fall.

Taxes: If you got a sizable refund in

April or found it necessary to empty

savings to pay Uncle Sam, it’s de-

nitely time to reassess what you’ll

owe at tax time next year. Also, if

you think you’ll have some losing

stocks in your taxable investment ac-

counts, keep an eye on those in caseyou’ll need to offset gains in your

portfolio at the end of the year.

Spending: Either on your computer

or on paper, take the time to gure

out where you’re money’s going. A

look at the last six months of spend-

ing may reveal opportunities to re-

duce spending and redirect money

toward more necessary goals. Re-

serve fund: Most nancial experts

encourage you to have between three

and six months of living expenses

in an emergency fund. If you don’t

have that minimum, go back to your

spending review and see where you

can start socking money away.

College savings: If you are saving

for your child’s education or your

own, check to see if you’re on track

with the goals you made for the year.

It’s also a good idea to read the latest

news on nancial aid since schools

change their nancial aid policies

annually. Even if your kid’s still in

grade school, it’s a good idea to learn

as much about college nancial aid

while you’ve got plenty of time to

learn.

Special goals: If your car is sudden-

ly looking like it will need to be re-

placed or if this might be the last year

for your furnace, see if you can di-

rect more money into a reserve fund

to cover replacement costs or at least

a heavy down payment. If there’s avacation you want to take by the end

of the year or a special household

purchase you want to make, focus

on the cash you’ll set aside to make

that happen. Of course, if you have

credit card debt rolling over from

one month to the other, maybe that

should be your initial focus.

Credit: If you haven’t set a schedule

for receiving your three credit reports

throughout the year, do it now. You

have the right to get all three of your

credit reports – from Experian, Tran-

sUnion and Equifax – once a year for

free. You can do so by ordering them

at www.annualcreditreport.com. Bystaggering receipt each of your credit

reports at different points in the year,

you’ll get a continuous picture of

how your credit picture looks. Also,

you’ll have the opportunity to focus

on possible errors in a single report,

which will give the other two credit

agencies time to update their les.

www.castlefnancial.com

It’s Summertime – Not a Bad Time for a Midyear Financial Checkup

Generalized Anxiety Disorder vs. General

Anxiety About the Economy

(NUI) - Worries about nances have long been a

leading cause of anxiety for North Americans.

When asked what stressed people the most in a re-

cent online poll at the Anxiety Disorders Associa -

tion of America Web site www.adaa.org), 45 per-

cent responded “personal nances.”

Even among those who feel the economy is im-

proving, a majority named it as a source of their

stress. Another ADAA online poll conrms that

sentiment: Nearly 77 percent said the economic

downturn has caused a moderate amount to “a lot

of stress.”

If so many people share such deep stress and worry

about their bank balances than they did before this

nancial freefall, does that mean they all have an

anxiety disorder? Does it mean anxiety disorders

are on the rise? The answer: No.

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful and un-

certain situations. It’s your body telling you to stay

alert and protect yourself, in this case to watch your

spending, try to save for an emergency, work tokeep your job or consult a trusted nancial expert.

However, you may have generalized anxiety dis-

order if you worry about the economy or your -

nances for many hours every day, you can’t sleep

or perform your usual tasks and you’re aware that

your fears are irrational.

Also known as GAD, this type of anxiety disor-

der differs greatly from the normal anxiety we

may feel about the economy or any other stressful

event. GAD is not triggered by a specic situation:

The world doesn’t need to experience an economic

downfall for someone to have GAD. Even in the

best of times, GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or

3.1 percent of the U.S. population, in any given

year, and women are twice as likely to be affected.

People with generalized anxiety disorder experi-

ence persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry

about issues like money, health, family or work for

six months or longer. They don’t know how to stop

the worry cycle, which they feel is beyond their

control. Physical symptoms of GAD may include

fatigue, restlessness, difculty sleeping, irritabil-

ity, edginess, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal

discomfort or diarrhea.

Help can be found by visiting the ADAA Web site

www.adaa.org, where you can nd resources to

help manage anxiety, nd a local therapist, receive

an e-newsletter for people living with anxiety dis-

orders or purchase self-help books.

(ARA) - As summer rolls around,

you may nd yourself getting that

familiar anxious feeling in the pit of

your stomach. No, not just because it

is time to slip into a swimsuit (that’san entirely different issue to contend

with). You’re probably getting antsy

thinking about all the money you are

going to spend at home while the kids

are on summer vacation.

But shake off those blues and face the

sunshine. Hannah Keeley, lifestyle

expert and host of the PBS program

“Hannah, Help Me!” offers easy

ways to cut costs and still enjoy a

cool, comfortable summer with your

family.

Be appliance “smart.”

Clothes dryers are notorious for suck-

ing up a lot of the energy used in your

home. Pull out the heavier items,

such as blankets, towels and blue

jeans, and let them hang dry on a line

outside or even over the doors inside

of your home.

Dishwashers are a great convenience,

but that convenience comes at a price.

Don’t run your machine unless it is

completely full. Also, consider open-

ing the door of your dishwasher when

it hits the drying cycle so your dishes

air dry and you save money.

Re-think your routine and old

habits.

No need to take long showers after a

day at the pool or beach. Pick up atimer and set a time limit for every

person in the family (yes, even the

teenagers). Five minutes per person

should do, not to mention help pre-

vent your family from pouring mon-

ey down the drain. Turn off the water

when conditioning hair, shaving or

brushing teeth to further conserve

energy.

Even when they are not in use, elec-

tronics like stereos, TVs and DVD

players continue to drain energy.

Those commonly found, bulky “wall

wart” plugs that feel warm to the

touch even if the device is turned off

are costing you money. Plug all elec-

tronic equipment into power strips

and simply switch them off when not

in use, or if your family is away from

home, and you’ll see instant savings

on your electric bill. And turn off

those computer monitors when not

in use.

Stay Cool.

For every degree you raise your

thermostat in the summer, you can

cut cooling costs up to six percent,

depending on your lifestyle, system

settings and local climate. Install a

programmable thermostat to help

conserve energy and save money on

your cooling bills with very little

effort on your part. You might also

consider installing a variable speed

air handler, such as those offered by

American Standard Heating & Air

Conditioning, which reduces mois-

ture levels in the air so you can keep

the thermostat at a higher setting and

still feel comfortable.

Keeley reminds us that in just a few

simple steps, you can have more fun,

enjoy your family, and save some se-

rious money this summer. “And it all

starts at home,” Keeley says.

Simple solutions to save money at home this summer



[email protected] | 239-777-0473

Coconu tPo i n tRea l Es t a t e . c om


MarKEt rEport

D. Michael Burke, P.A.

Germain arena: (Estero)July 8–12 - Cirque Du SoleilSaltimbanco. For further information, time, tickets & other shows call (239) 948-7825 or visitwww.GermainArena.com.

CoConut Point mall: (Estero)Live entertainment located atPlaza Del Lago Dr. patio. Wed w/Lo Monaco (Maurice the tenor),

Thurs & Sun w/Andrea Garofolo,Fri w/Frank Tourino singing thehits of Sinatra, Elvis, & more, Satw/The Manipulators singing rock,funk, soul & jazz.

Gulf Coast town Center:(Ft. Myers)8-10pm – Weekend concertseries

Hammond stadium:(Ft Myers)For the Miracle baseballschedule call (239) 768-4210.Hammond Stadium, 14100 SixMile Cypress Rd.

Broadway Palm dinnertHeater:(Ft. Myers)June 11–August 8, Peter Pan.For more info & listing of showsvisit www.BroadwayPalm.com or call 239 278-4422

BarBara B. mann tHeatre:(Ft. Myers)For info & shows, visit,www.bbmannpah.com/index.phpor call (239) 481-4849.

July 4 CeleBration:(Ft. Myers)

All Day at Centennial OlympicPark. 12-5pm – Childrensactivities. 5pm – musicalentertainment by Stokeswood.6:30pm – Infnity Show Band.8pm – Vertical Horizon. Followedby freworks synchronized toa selection of patriotic music.For further info visit www.centennialpark.com/events/fjuly.html

July 4 Parade, fireworks:(Naples)July 4. 10am Parade - beginsat the corner of 3rd St. So.ending near Naples City Hall on8th St. So. Fireworks 9pm - atNaples Pier 12 Ave S, for further information 213-7120.

festival:(Naples)July 4. Festival at Sugden

Regional Park at Lake Avalon,4284 Avalon Drive, gates open3pm.

HistoriC Palm CottaGe &norris Gardens: (Naples)July 1-25, Aug 1-29, Tues-Sat1-4pm. (239) 261-8164.

venetian days:(Naples)July 2 & Aug 6, 6-9pm. Livemusic & waterfront dining at TheVillage on Venetian Bay.

summer Jazz on tHe Gulf:(Naples)June-Sept. Live jazz throughoutthe Summer around the NaplesBeach Hotel. Call (800) 237-7600 for more information.

tHird tHursday on tHird: (Naples)July 16 & Aug 20, 6-9pm.Summer time music &entertainment in the courtyards &plazas of Third St.

PHilHarmoniC Center:(Naples)5833 Pelican Bay. For moreinformation & current shows visitwww.philtickets.org/tickets/index.aspx or call (239) 597-1900.

JULY/AUGUST EvEnTS 2009Boita Sprigs, Estero, Ft. Myers, naples

EMERGENCY

Police, Fire, Medical ............................................ 911

Lee County Ambulance (Non Emergency)

.....................................................................335-1600

Lee County Sheriff (Non Emergency)

.....................................................................477-1200

LEE CouNtY EMERGENCY MaNaGEMENt

(Weather & Disaster Spills) ....................... .477-3600

Poison Control Center ......................... 800-282-3171

HospitaLs:

North Collier Hospital...................................513-7000

Health Park Hospital ....................................433-7799

CHaMbER of CoMMERCE (Local Area):Bonita Springs Area ....................................992-2943

Estero Area .................................................948-7990

LibRaRY (Local Area):

Bonita Public Library ...................................992-1043

Estero South County Regional Library ........390-3200

LiCENsE (Lee County):

Animal License ...........................................432-2083

Boat Registration/Fishing License ...............339-6000

Drivers License ......................... .................278-7192

VEHiCLE REGistRatioN - Lee County

.....................................................................339-6000

VotERs REGistRatioN .........................339-6300

MEdiCaL (Lee & Collier Counties):

Gulf Coast Hospital - Ft. Myers ...................768-5000

Lee Memorial Hospital - Ft. Myers............... 332-1111

North Collier Hospital (NCH)

Downtown Naples .......................................552-7000

North Collier Hospital (NCH)

North Naples ...............................................436-5000

Poison Control Center ........................ 800-282-3171

NEwspapER

Bonita Banner ............. ............................... 765-0110Coconut Point Press ...................................777-0473

Ft. Myers News Press ................................ 335-0233

Naples Daily News ....................................992-3609

pubLiC sCHooLs (Lee County):

Edison Community College ................. 800-749-2322

Florida Gulf Coast University ............... 800-590-3428

School District of Lee County ......................334-1102

REaL EstatE sERViCEs

Michael Burke P.A., John R. Wood Realtors

.....................................................................777-0473

Homestead Exemption - Lee County...........339-6120

Property Appraiser - Lee County .................339-6100

soCiaL sECuRitY .......................... 800-772-1213

soutHwEst fLoRida iNt’L aiRpoRt

.....................................................................590-4800

tRaNspoRtatioNAirport Shuttle Service ................................216-7777

Greyhound ..................................................334-1011

Lee County Bus Transit .............................533-8726

u.s. postaL sERViCE

Lee & Collier Counties ......................... 800-275-8777

utiLitiEs (Lee County):

Embarq .............................................. 866-304-6820

ELECtRiC

Florida Power and Light....................... 800-262-1322

fLoRida RECYCLiNG & wastE ............332-8500

Gas sERViCE - Teco (Peoples Gas)

............................................................. 877-932-6747

soLid wastE - Lee County .....................338-3302

tELEpHoNE

Sprint (Bonita) ..................................... 800-699-0728

Sprint (Lee County) .... .........................800-339-1811

tV CabLE

Comcast ............................................ 800-432-4770

Time Warner ...............................................574-2020

watER/sEwER

Bonita Springs ............................................992-0711

Unincorporated Lee County ................ 800-485-0214VEtERiNaRiaNs

Florida Veterinary 24-Hour Emergency

............................................................. 239-992-8878

Importat “239” numbers

prol [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING INC.

• Residential• Commercial

Leslie MaloneyPresident

Ofc (239) 992-2226Cell (239) 580-7914

Licensed & Insured

• New Construction• Rental Property

• Water Damage

20321 Grande Oak Shoppes Blvd., Suite 308 • Estero, FL 33928

Rch MheState Farm Insurance Agency

Cll 992-8896

To view more closed details visit www.CoconutPointRealEstate.com and click on Market Reports

3 Bed 2 0 1845 2001 No No $299,000 $275,000 $149 92% 1-Jun-09 130

3+Den 2 0 2231 2002 Yes Yes $549,000 $525,000 $235 96% 19-May-09 299 2+Den 2 0 1548 2002 No No $184,900 $175,000 $113 95% 3-Jun-09 72

3 Bed 2 0 2264 2000 No No $269,000 $235,000 $104 87% 1-Jun-09 85

3 Bed 2 0 1402 2000 No No $179,999 $174,000 $124 97% 20-May-09 64

2+Den 2 0 2040 2000 No No $355,000 $330,000 $162 93% 26-May-09 116

2+Den 2 0 2000 2001 Yes Yes $435,000 $408,500 $204 94% 22-May-09 2194+Den 5 0 4480 2007 Yes Yes $1,700,000 $1,700,000 $379 100% 18-May-09 427

2+Den 2 0 1513 2001 No No $224,900 $211,000 $139 94% 15-Jun-09 209

2 Bed 2 0 1209 1998 No No $160,900 $160,000 $132 99% 10-Jun-09 74

2+Den 2 0 1792 2000 No No $344,500 $335,000 $187 97% 15-May-09 81

4+Den 3 0 3217 2002 Yes Yes $1,095,000 $950,000 $295 87% 12-Jun-09 78

2+Den 2 0 1540 2001 No No $198,900 $190,000 $123 96% 3-Jun-09 221

2+Den 2 0 2000 2004 Yes No $410,000 $390,000 $195 95% 1-Jun-09 125

3 Bed 2 1 2112 1995 No No $336,900 $322,000 $152 96% 28-May-09 74

3+Den 3 1 3329 2000 Yes Yes $775,000 $740,000 $222 95% 26-May-09 146

3 Bed 3 1 3240 2002 No No $849,000 $765,000 $236 90% 29-May-09 85

3 Bed 2 1 2060 2004 No No $345,000 $300,000 $146 87% 15-May-09 78

3+Den 3 0 2873 2006 No No $699,000 $690,000 $240 99% 28-May-09 85

4+Den 4 1 4164 2005 Yes Yes $1,220,000 $1,157,000 $278 95% 27-May-09 813+Den 3 1 3824 2006 Yes No $1,295,000 $1,150,000 $301 89% 19-May-09 747

2+Den 2 0 1706 2006 No No $315,000 $272,000 $159 86% 9-Jun-09 72

3 Bed 2 0 2584 2007 No No $379,900 $330,000 $128 87% 15-May-09 112

CoMMuNitY addREssberm

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Lvngare

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Lprce

sellngprce

C/sq. f.

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Clede

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“Michael Burke is one of the most thorough, innovative, caring and creative realtors we have ever dealt with. We whole heartedly recommend Michael and his team. His professionalism and

dedication to serving his clients needs is the Ultimate real estate experience.” - Darlene and Don Polyschuk (Toronto Canada)

“Having purchased and or sold over one dozen homes in the last 20 years, I found Michael to be unique among the realtors I have dealt with in the past. Like many others, Michael has a

comprehensive understanding of the southwest Florida real estate market that serves his clients well, which is compelling given the current economic climate. What sets him apart is the high

level of integrity and the attention to detail that we found to be part of our transaction. I would solidly recommend Michael Burke to anyone looking to sell or purchase property.”

– Matthew & Regina Staudt (Upper Saddle River, NJ )

H h ghb g b mch B . . . .

Specialize in Maintenance Contracts

COPPERLEAF

Wisteria Pointe 23600 Wisteria Pointe Dr, #905

Caraway Lakes 23320 Caraway Lakes DrLIGHTHOUSE BAY AT THE BROOKS

Lighthouse Bay 10831 Halfmoon Shoal Rd, #101

Lighthouse Bay 10751 Halfmoon Shoal Rd, #201

Lighthouse Bay 23741 Old Port Rd, #14204

SHADOWWOOD AT THE BROOKS

Morningside 23021 Rosedale Dr, #202Oak Strand 9359 Oak Strand Dr

Lake Forest At Shadow Wood 9570 Lakebend Preserve Ct

SPING RUN AT THE BROOKS

Hidden Lakes 23770 Clear Spring Ct, #1402

Streamside 9010 Spring Run Blvd, #706

Autumn Lake 23546 Sandycreek Ter, #510GRANDEZZA

Grande Estates 20050 Legacy Ct

Sabal Palm 20141 Seagrove St, #306

Cypress Cove 20048 Seadale Ct

PELICAN LANDING

Palm Colony 24627 Ivory Cane Dr, #201Pelican Landing 25044 Ridge Oak Dr

THE COLONY

Palermo 4875 Pelican Colony #1101

Merano 23761 Merano Ct, #102

MEDITERRA Brendisi 29111 Brendisi Way, #202Celebrita 16465 Celebrita Ct

Lucarno 16615 Cortona Ln

RAPALLO AT COCONUT POINT

Rapallo 8600 Via Rapallo Dr E, #106

Rapallo 8549 Via Garibaldi Cir, #203

To advertise in the

next issue of

CoconutPointPRESS

Call 239-777-0473




PUZZLE

SOLUTIONS

CROSSWORD ANSWER

SUDOKU ANSWER

PhRASE SCRAmblE ANSWER

I meant what I said, and I said what I meant.

An elephant’s faithful, one hundred percent.

(ARA) - Summer fashion always calls for bright,

fun colors. However, those bright summer clothes

come at a cost - more maintenance and tricky sum-

mertime stains. There are tricks you can use to keep

your favorite summer clothes looking as fresh and

bright in September as they did in May.

This season, it’s all about shopping your closet. You

can easily get the look you want by taking a pairof dark denim jeans from your closet, cufng the

bottoms and pairing them with embellished sandals

and a bright top. No matter the month, a pair of dark

jeans is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing

you can own. To keep your denim looking darker

and brighter longer, turn jeans inside out before you

wash them, use cold water, add a color booster and

stain remover and line-dry.

One of the best ways to stay cool and stylish this

season is to layer sheer, lightweight tops. Layers add

dimension and levels, and make you look put togeth-

er and in the know with little to no effort. Keep the

palette soft and neutral for a light, airy style. You’ll

love the ease and comfort of this simple trend.

You can easily slim down your look by combining

bright colors with contrasting dark colors. Draw

attention to areas you want to play up by wearingbright hues like pinks and yellows, and use darker

colors to play down areas you’d prefer not to high-

light. It’s an instant makeover at no cost.

Moms and dads can let kids get crea tive when pick-

ing out clothes from their closet. Mixing and match-

ing colors, patterns and prints is a great style for kids

this season. Parents can feel comfortable knowing

their kids’ creative pairing of clothing is right on

trend.

When shopping your closet, it’s important to keep

your clothes in great shape. Since many families

are heading outdoors in the warm weather, they’ll

be more likely to get dirtier faster - especially if

you have young, active kids in your household. Tokeep clothes looking good all season long, pre-treat

stains and add a product like Clorox 2 Stain Fighter

& Color Booster to your laundry because detergent

alone is not enough.

For more information and tips from Sam Saboura,

visit www.laundryroom101.com.

mAth ChAllENgE 2 ANSWERS

Great

Summer Looks

(NC)—There is nothing quite as

invigorating as a run through the

park or a game of touch football

in the dog days of summer when

the sun is hot and the air is warm

and inviting.

As you sweat it out this summer,

keep in mind that your skin can

take a beating under the hot sum-

mer sun, especially when you

exercise. In fact, the more you

sweat, the more your skin tem-

porarily loses its natural ability to

protect itself from both burning

UVB rays and aging UVA rays.

Even if you wear a high Sun Pro-

tection Factor (SPF) sunscreen,

sweat and humidity can cause

sunscreen weardown, putting you

at risk.

Here are some tips for nding a

durable sport sunscreen this sum-

mer:

• Look for sunscreens that are

made specically for sports; ones

that provide exceptional, long-

lasting sport sun protection that

keeps skin well protected during

play

• Look for very sweat-resistant

and very water-resistant products,

indicators of increased sunscreen

durability

• Look for ultra lightweight, non-

comedogenic lotions that won’t

clog pores or cause breakouts or

run into eyes to cause stinging

• Look for a sport sunscreen with

a high Sun Protection Factor

(SPF) that provides broad-spec-

trum protection and apply gener-

ously. Most adults do not follow

sunscreen application instruc-

tions, achieving only 10-25% of

the expected SPF. For optimal

protection, it is important to ap-

ply sunscreen generously, using

approximately 2 full tablespoons

to cover the entire body. Neutro-

gena Ultimate Sport Sunscreen

Lotion SPF 45 and Sunscreen

Sprays SPF 45 and 60, contains

innovative stabilizing Helio-

plex technology, which deliversstrong and long-lasting protection

against both burning UVB and

aging UVA rays. These products

also contain a matrixed water-

proof technology comprised of

large molecules that create an in-

visible, yet breathable, shield on

the skin to help keep sunscreen in

place during physical activity

While no sunscreen is clinically

proven to minimize or prevent

skin cancer, dermatologists have

long recognized that exposure to

UVA and UVB rays can promote

the risk of skin cancer.

Use sweatproof sunscreenthis summer when playing outdoor sports

Looking Like New

Problem Solving

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Relatively Speaking

(NC)—Helping your children develop a love for

reading is one of the most important things you can

do as a parent. Moreover, it is a gift that will last a

lifetime. Don’t let your child’s reading comprehen-

sion fall behind his or her classmates this summer,

especially when there are many opportunities for

them to not only maintain but improve their read-ing skills. Here are some simple tips to keep reading

fun and to engage your child through the summer

months and the rest of the year.

Show them reading is fun

Set aside time to read together as a family and en-

joy reading out loud in character voices with your

children. Visiting the library or participating in a

summer reading program can be a lot of fun for chil-

dren.

Reading at the right level

There are two things to keep in mind when helping

your children foster a love for reading this summer:

their reading level and their interests. Check with

your child’s teacher at the end of the school year

to identify their reading level. Then ask your child

what he or she would like to read. Trust your local

librarian with the rest.

Set an example

Simply having books, magazines and newspapers

around your home will encourage your children toview them as part of daily life. Let your kids see you

read so they know that reading is important and that

it can be an enjoyable pastime.

Make reading an everyday activity

Encourage your children to read anything and ev-

erything – street signs, menus, recipes and books are

all great tools to strengthen their literacy skills.

Start a home library

Even at a young age, start a home library for your

children even if it’s just a shelf or two in your own

library. Books should be accessible for young chil-

dren to handle freely.

(ARA) – Dogs love our company

and knowing they’re part of the

pack. But the fact is humans have

to leave the house some time,

whether it’s for work, to run er-rands or to go to a place where

dogs aren’t welcome. So when

you can’t be home to entertain

your dog, how do you keep him

busy and happy when he’s alone?

Most dogs are social animals and

are happiest when they are sur-

rounded by their humans. Some

dogs suffer from separation anxi-

ety and cry, bark and whine whenleft alone, while others just use

their alone time to sleep. No mat-

ter what your dog’s personality,

making sure he has something

to keep him occupied during his

time alone helps ensure your dog

won’t destroy something in the

house and your neighbors won’t

be bothered by barking.

* Crate training is a valuable tool

for when you’re away or even

when you have people over and

your dog just needs a quiet place

to himself. A crate that is large

enough for your dog to stand up

and turn around in with a soft pad

to sleep on is a great substitute for

the dens wild dogs take refuge

in. A favorite blanket or shirt that

you’ve worn can be comforting

for your dog.

* Whether he’s in the crate or

roaming free, “busy” toys are a

great way to keep a dog occupied.

Fill safe toys with peanut butter

and freeze them or add in small

treats that will fall out as the toy

is rolled around. Rotate toys (give

a toy one day and a different toy

the next) to help prevent bore-

dom. Hide low fat treats around

the house for your dog to nd ran-

domly throughout the day.

* If you’re going to be gone for

several hours, make sure your

dog gets plenty of exercise before

you leave because a tired dog is

a happy dog. Leave a radio on so

your dog has friendly voices to

keep him company.

* Feed your dog his biggest meal

of the day before you leave so

he’ll have a full stomach and want

to take a nap.

* Make sure you have a place

for your dog to relieve himself

to avoid any accidents during the

time you’re away. Most people

don’t have large, fenced in yards

and dog doors so an indoor dog

potty like the UGODOG is an

easy way to keep messes con-

tained.

* Keep your arrivals and depar-

tures low key. Don’t squeal and

go overboard greeting your dog

when you walk in the door and

don’t linger and feel bad for the

dog when you leave. The less of

a commotion you make, the less

your dog will panic when you

walk out the door.

For more information on the

UGODOG, training tips and ideas

to keep your dog busy, visit www.

UGODOG.com.

(NUI) - No one wants to admit that aging affects their ability to drive

safely. But experts agree that, although not all drivers are the same,driving ability generally begins to deteriorate a round age 55.

Kathleen Marvaso, AAA’s vice president of Public Affairs, said that as

the population ages, senior-driver safety is becoming an increasingly

relevant and challenging issue for many families. “Many adult children

of senior drivers are looking for help navigating this new and some-

times challenging road,” she said. “Our research shows that one of the

biggest questions is how to begin the conversation.”

AAASeniors.com, AAA’s senior safety and mobility Web site, offers

the following advice:

* Plan ahead. It’s never too early to begin the conversation. Planning

ahead means you can discuss gradual adjustments that may be needed

over time as a senior gets older. Sometimes, just a few simple adjust-

ments, such as avoiding night or highway driving, can help prolong a

senior’s safe driving years.

* Approach the conversation with safety as the main objective. Be-cause driving is such a big part of independence, AAA advises to be

prepared to face some resistance from the senior driver. Having facts

and concrete examples available will help; and a caring tone may make

all the difference.

* Talk about the issue during discussions about retirement. Take

the same careful approach to transportation that you would with -

nances and other retirement-related decisions. Future transportation

needs may affect other retirement decisions, such as selecting a retire-

ment home. For example, convenience to public transportation or the

availability of onsite transportation may become important criteria.

“At AAA, we want to foster a society where older adults can remain

condent and independent and live to their full potential,” Marvaso

said. “AAASeniors.com gives seniors and their families the tools nec-

essary to create an action plan to help manage the inevitable conse-

quences of aging, and to help seniors drive for as long as safely pos-

sible - and remain mobile thereafter.”

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Documents

Coconut Point Press July Aug 2009